Paulpietersburg farm murderers receive life sentences

A welcomed outcome for the Filter family.

Kwa-Zulu Natal authorities have revealed that, on Wednesday, two suspects, Sabelo Abel Shoba and Sithembiso Domoyi Shoba, were sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder they committed at Brainsweight Farm in Paulpietersburg two years ago.

30-year-old Sithembiso received a life sentence for his participation in murdering the farm owner, Frieder Johannes Filter, as well as an additional ten years for attempted murder and a further 15 years for robbery.

His 29-year-old brother, Sabelo, received the same sentence. Police spokesperson, Captain Nqobile Gwla, in a statement, revealed that there was a third suspect involved in the case who is still at large.

“On 13 May 2016, pensioner Frieder Johannes Filter (77) was with his family at Brainsweight Farm in Paulpietersburg, when they were approached by armed assailants who were in possession of firearms and knives.

“Filter was shot dead during the robbery and as the suspects fled the scene they met a farm worker outside and shot him to his both legs. The farm worker sustained gunshot wounds and was taken to hospital for treatment. His cellphone was taken by the accused before they fled the scene on foot. Nothing was taken from the house,”

Captain Gwala revealed in a statement.

Sithembiso and Sabelo will spend the rest of their lives in jail. Authorities are confident that the days of the third suspect are numbered as investigators are making inroads to capturing him.